** A contrast comparison **

ISRO placed all the 10 satellites, in a single launch, successfully in the orbit. The previous record was 8 satellites in one launch and that was done before two years by Russia. ISRO is a huge success story and it makes us all feel proud of it. In my view, the success of ISRO should be attributed to its setup in that it is away from the clutches of the Govt and is a sort of independent body (though not totally independent). When we look at a few organisations, which are more under the Govt - the result is more appalling. DRDO - the lesser we talk about it, the better !! Lets take the latest news on the Arjun Battle tank to substantiate the reasoning. 35 years after the project was approved, we still have five major defects. From the original project cost of Rs 15.5 crore, we, so far, have spent 305.6 crore !!

Army has said that the tank suffers from low accuracy and consistency, chipping of gun barrels, shearing of top rollers and failure of hydro pneumatic units (data from "The Hindu"). Our Defence Minister states, "The rectification of defects and performance of tanks are being closely monitored". How long?? Army states that the tank has low accuracy - which means, for eg, if Mambalam is targetted we would end up firing at Tambaram !!

** New Invention !! **

"Rise in global prices of food grains is because the Indian middle class has attained a level of prosperity and they have started consuming more resulting in the world wide shortage of foodgrains." ....... After great research work, Mr. Bush, who incidentally happens to be the President of USA, has found out this reasoning. I recommend that he be given this year's Nobel Prize for Economics !!

** Nepal **

Monarchy in Nepal is gone and the Maoists are in !! Down the line, say after a few years of Maoists rule, I see China coming in with all its might into Nepal. The Himalayas is no more going to be a border for India in North !! Islamic terrorism is going to get deeply rooted in Nepal !! The present Indian Govt may applaud the present "victory of democracy" in Nepal - but, I strongly feel that we are going to pay a heavy price for this !! Now, India has too many huge windows open along its border - Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh... !! Thank God, we have oceans on the other three sides !!

** Iran - Pak - India Gas pipeline **

One thing that I like about the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is that they were careful when handling with issues relating to Pakistan. When it comes to the Congress (I) Party, they always want to show that they are more "secular" in their behaviour and they think that their actions against Pakistan would be seen as anti-muslim and hence would undermine their Indian Muslim vote bank. What else do you call the Petroleum Minister, Mr. Deorah's statement that India would go ahead and sign the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project in the next two or three months ?? The Congress Govt has not learnt its lessons from the past 60 years behaviour of Pakistan. Nor is the Congress Govt looking at the present. If so, it would have seen the anarchy that is prevailing in the border areas of Pakistan where the pro-Islamist groups have taken the reigns and wield better control. All the Congress government doing is handing over the advantage to Pakistan and thus to the Islamic terrorists and is also dropping its pants down allowing Pak to rape it and thus our nation, India.

** Governance - Congress Style **

In Canada, a huge procession was taken by Sikhs supporting and glorifying Indira Gandhi's assassins. Indian Intelligence bureau has warned the Punjab Govt that the Khalistan movement is on the rise (Fanatic, but more prominent Punjab political groups are supporting it - calling it as people's movement). Former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mufti Mohammed Syed has said that the use of Pakistan currency should be allowed in Jammu & Kashmir. As a true citizen, you would believe that Government would against all such prominent and disturbing happenings !! Unfortunately this is India and the ruling party is Congress .... nothing of any sort, in the name of action is seen - atleast till now.

** Tamil New Year's Day **

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr Karunanidhi has passed a resolution changing the Tamil New Year's day from April/14 to Jan/14 !! Given the sort of politician that Karunanidhi is, this is not a big surprise. This change of New year is nothing but another gimmick that Mr Karunanidhi has pulled out of his hat. What has he achieved by it?? He has proved that his so called "secularism" is nothing but fiddling with Hinduism. I can challenge him and the folks of his ilk that all they can do in the name of "secularism" is to 'finger' Hinduism - for, they do not dare to touch Christianity and Islam. Because, people of those religion are better bonded when it comes to the question of religion. Almost everyone has kept quiet on this issue of changing the Tamil New Year, because, Karunanidhi was clever enough to label his resolution as "pro-tamil". If you speak against the stupidity of this exercise, you would be branded "anti tamil". No one will dare to say that the King is walking naked !! I only wish that everyone start looking into such cheap tactics - than consoling ourself that all such historical changes were first met with some stiff resistance and will, over a period of time, be accepted by people. [ Here, I also see a behaviour pattern of certain set of people. Pervez Mushraff has to be more aggressive - or rather, visibly more aggresive, against India, because he has to prove to the people of Pakistan that though his birth place is India, he is a true Pakistani. Actor Kamal Haasan has to be more (visibly) aggresive against "God" and has the need to support EVR Periyar - because, he has to prove that though he is born as a Brahmin, he should not be seen as one. Over a period of time, it is the role that they attire than the originality that takes prominence. Do you now see the reason as to why a lot of Brahmins have kept quiet - or even have supported this issue ? ]

** Reservation- More on Quota **

Supreme Court in its decision favouring 27% quota for Other Backward Class (OBC) people, has said that the quota system should be reviewd after five years. After five years, Review, they will - to see whether the quota need to be increased further and not to decrease it !! I dont think I will ever get to see the quota system being removed in my life time ! Basically, more than the upliftment of Backward class, this quota arragement is more about Politics. Supreme Court has played to the tune of Politicians and has helped pave way for faster degradation of premier institutes like IITs and IIMs - and India as the nation on the whole !! Jai Hind !!

** Times of India **

Times of India (ToI) has started its Chennai edition from today (Apr/14/2008). ToI is the sort of newspaper which gives 'what people wants' - a lot of sex & glamour !! They also do sell it at a cheaper rate - aggressive marketing !! I would not consider ToI as a threat to "The Hindu". But lesser mortals like, "The Deccan Chronicle" and "The Indian Express" may slowly fade away from the arena; or at best, they also would switch to the "style" of ToI. If you wish to read lot of tit-bits, masaala news, glamorous news and wish to see some sexy photographs in glossy sheets, goahead and subscribe to ToI - but in the least, subscribe to ToI as an additional newspaper for your home, not the sole one !!

** Kathipara Overbridge **

After a pro-looonged delay, construction of a part of Kathipara overbridge in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India was completed and opened to traffic on Apr/09 ! Some relief to the choking traffic at this junction. When this bridge is totally completed and also when the overbridge near the airport is completed, traffic from Tambaram to Anna-Flyover will ease to a greater extent. Hope we will get to see that soon.

** Hogenekal Project **

The dust has settled down a bit as the Tamil Nadu Govt has decided to put the Hogenekal drinking water project on hold. This project was envisaged to supply drinking water to the people of Krishnagiri and Dharmapur district. This project was earlier worked out on a sort of 'barter' arrangement. Way back in 1998, Tamil Nadu Govt gave a clearance to the 'Bangalore Drinking water scheme' to use the Cauvery water, for which in return, Karnataka Govt, gave a clearance to this 'Hogenekal Project'. The fluoride level in water, in the districts of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri is at 9.0 mg/L (against the WHO norm of 1.5mg/L). The Hogenekal project would have benefitted both these districts - or around 2.2 million people (most of them, according to one estimate, are Kannada and Telugu speaking people).

Though we have the previous clearance... why the storm now??? "ELECTION" - is the magic word !! While there is certain amount of truth in Jayalalitha's accusation that Karunanidhi has given up to Karnataka - we need to realise that, at this stage where elections are round the corner in Karnataka, going ahead with this project would only have made every political party in Karnataka fight tooth and nail against the project. Afterall the politicians care for nothing but for votes. Worst of all are the statements from one of our former (unfortunate) PM - Shri Dewa Gowda !!!

God, save this Nation from Politicians !!

** Vellore Golden Temple **

I have seen quite a few beautiful places in India. On Tuesday, after my visit to the 'Golden Temple' built in Vellore, Tamil Nadu (India), I would, without any hesitation, rank it as the best that I have ever seen so far. Its simply breath taking, even better than the Lotus temple and Amritsar Golden Temple. The pathway that takes you to the central main temple is designed in a star shape and the landscape on both sides of this pathway is breath taking and well maintained. Let me not waste too many words - dont forget to get this place on your 'must see' Indian site. To enjoy your trip, plan it on any of the week days and during early morning hours when the place is not crowded.

** Sixth Pay Commission & Defence **

The Sixth pay commission has submitted its recommendations on the revised pay scales for Central Govt employees to the Govt. It is expected that the recommendations are going to be implemented without any major changes.

Last time, after the pay commission recommendations were implemented, there was a huge turmoil in Indian Air Force. The disparity in pay was the bone of contention. Not the disparity in pay between Men and Officers - but amongst Officers themselves and that is what led to the agitation. [ Men, without the support of Officers, in Services, can never do a minor protest, leave alone a huge agitation ].

Whats going to happen this time??? I am not an expert nor have I gone through the whole set of recommendations - but, from what I have seen, let me just quote one recommendation that is about to be implemented. For those serving in difficult areas - there is an allowance. Men would get around Rs.1000 and Officers would get around Rs.6000/- !! So - is the terrain more difficult for the Officers than for Men?? Are the climatic conditions more harmful for Officers than for Men?? When it comes to a posting in difficult terrain, Officers get the best of everything - and still get paid with higher allowances !!

Officers are employed based on higher education qualification, but what has that got to do with the allowances such as that meant for difficult terrain ??? Everytime, a new pay commission submits its recommendations, the Officers get the flesh while the Men are left to be content with bone pieces (because, its the officers who forward the recommendations to the panel !!)

I am reminded of a Service Slogan ..."The safety, honour and welfare of your country comes first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command, come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety comes last, always and every time."

This, like so many other slogans, remains just as a slogan and nothing else. Practically, it is "Self first, Self Next and Self last !!!"

Jai Hind !!!

** Art !! **

French President Sarkozy's wife's nude photo, shot way back in 1993, is about to be auctioned !! The auctioning house has said that it is bringing the photo under hammer only because Bruni (First Lady) is a beautiful lady and the photograph is an art. Well - why did no one identify the "art" till she became the first lady !! You can give one thousand explanations to justify the means to earn money !!

** ICL Vs IPL **

Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) runs the IPL and the rebel ICL is being run by the Zee group. Though the ICL started first and there are many international players of repute - BCCI has played strong arm tactics and has managed in getting the ICC, the world governing body not to recognize the ICL group. Also, the BCCI has flexed its muscles and has got all the countries to impose restrictions on players from playing for ICL.

The worst act of the BCCI is yet to come - now, it has decided to ban all the youngsters playing cricket for ICL from playing cricket in all leagues, divisions, colleges, universities, etc. This would be the most atrocious act. I am not able to understand as to why the Govt is remaining as a mute witness to all these bullying tactics !! Is it because one of its own ministers is the Chairman of the BCCI?? Well, why is no one going to court under the "Monopoly Restrictive Trade Practices"-Act ???

** A Good Question **

"When Dr Haneef was arrested for his links with terrorists by the Australian police - our Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh said that he was not able to sleep. So, why is our Prime Minister not losing his sleep when Sarabjit Singh is languishing in Pakistan Jail and is facing the death sentence??" - that was a nice question posed by one of the BJP MP to the PM in the Lok Sabha !! A nice question !!

** Rajini - Sultan the Warrior **

Click on the link below to see the trailer of Soundarya Rajinikanth's forthcoming animated movie - "Sultan the Warrior" ..... ** Sultan The Warrior **

** STOP THIS **

The second drama, within a week, was enacted with great fanfare. This time, it was for the victorious senior Indian cricket team that arrived from Australia. Felicitations in a huge stadium thronged by thousands of people, attended by ministers and many biggies, cash awards running into lakhs and crores..... When will all these stupid acts stop ?

Indian cricket team really played well and defeated the world champions - there is no denying that... but, why go overboard with all these ceremonies?? Worst factor is, many of the players were averse to such ceremony. But, these days, everything is being looked upon as an opportunity to hog the limelight, especially by the politicians and the "chamchas" who are always on the lookout for opportunities to please politicians. The media plays a big role in this annoying drama - dishing out interviews after interviews to fill in their air time. It doesn't really matter even if you are a servant, mopping Sachin's hotel room - your interview becomes important. Why can't the media be more responsible??

** CT Scans & Cancer **

Research works on the effect of CT Scan over humans have time again proved that the risk of cancer is high in case of adults and is too high in case of children. Specialists recommend that the amount of radiation should be minimized in case of kids; should only scan when necessary; should scan only the indicated region; scan only once and a big NO for multi phased scanning.

With the mushrooming of CT Scan centres being run as business units in India, do we have any rules and regulations in place for subjecting people to CT scans? For most of the ailments, CT Scan has become the next logical step (Doctors go the extent of insisting that you take the Scan in X or Y Scan Centre - as they too get a 'cut' !!). It is being said the those who are not aware of the CT Protocol Guidance should not carry out CT examinations. But in India, the only protocol that works well is the "Profit Oriented Business Protocol" - nothing else. That also reminds me of the Doctor and Pharmacists nexus in India - let me take up that later.

For now, please do know about the risks of CT Scans. In case of any of your friends or relatives need to go for CT Scans, especially the kids, please make them aware of the risks and their right to ask for minimum radiation - scan only the essential parts etc that the specialists suggest.

** Kashmir Singh **

Kashmir Singh has spent 35 years in Pakistan prison on charges of spying. Finally one good man, who happened to be in the right position, saw his plight and took it up with Mushraaf during one of his good moods and the result is freedom for Kashmir Singh after 35 years in Pak prison. Lucky this man, Kashmir Singh is - because, there are quite a few who might have breathed their last in Pak prisons, especially quite a few Indian soldiers who became PoWs during the Indo-Pak War. For a person who remained in Pak prison for 35 years, this man really looked hale and healthy. Thats the "Punjabi Strength" for you !! :)

** Chidambaram Episode **

One Mr. Samy wanted to recite Thevaram and Thiruvasagam at Thiruchitrambalam, situated just in front of the sanctum sanctorum. He, with the permission of HR&CE (Govt Dept) went to the temple. The Dikshithars, who are administering the affairs of the temple protested this move and stopped Samy from entering the sanctum sanctorum.

This is the gist of the whole dirty incident that happened on Apr/30 at Chidambaram Natrajar temple. Mr. Samy could have gone to the temple without a big group of people behind him. The Dikshithars could have allowed Mr Samy. But neither happened and this issue, as like so many other, has been highly politicised.